About Hikkaduwa

Famed for its long sandy beach, the south-western coastal town of Hikkaduwa has long been a popular Sri Lankan holiday destination. Studded with cafés, bars and hotels, the town has a lively buzz, largely due to the numerous surfers, partygoers and families eager to soak up the sunshine. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, with most of the best places to stay in Hikkaduwa promising superb sea views.

Spend your days strolling along golden Hikkaduwa Beach, or honing your skills out on the waves. This is a surfing hub, with friendly instructors, affordable board hire, and nearby breaks aplenty. Snorkelers and divers will find great opportunities to explore the nearby reef, too. Venture inland for boat trips through the wetlands, verdant hikes, and visits to striking Buddhist temples. Galle, home to a beautiful fort town, is perfectly placed for a day trip.

Return to Hikkaduwa for delicious seafood dinners, live music nights and dancing. This stretch of coast boasts some surprisingly lively late-night parties. Whether you’re looking to hit the dance floor or retreat to the spa, our list of the best places to stay in Hikkaduwa has it all.

The Best Places to Stay in Hikkaduwa

For an Intimate Villa

  • Villa Saffron has just five guest rooms. Book one suite for a romantic getaway, or take the whole villa for a trip with family and friends. Set right on the coast, this architect-designed spot is decorated with the owners' impressive collection of contemporary art and antiques. Think four-poster beds, whirlpool tubs on private balconies, and a wonderful sea-facing pool. Intimate and charming. 

For Contemporary Luxury

  • Riff Hikkaduwa is a striking contemporary beach hotel with minimalist interiors featuring pale wooden furnishings and dazzling views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooftop restaurant is a highlight — perfect for superb sunsets and sushi. A hip design hotel for well-heeled beachgoers. 
  • Haritha Spa & Villas is another hugely luxurious choice, with sleek, modern suites hidden beneath grassy roofs on a hillside inland from Hikkaduwa. Private plunge pools, sensational spa treatments and a real sense of seclusion add to the appeal at this indulgent escape. 

For an apartment or villa

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Two hours from Colombo and the airport by car along the expressway, Hikkaduwa is easily accessible. Most hotels are able to arrange airport or city pick up with a reliable driver. Alternatively, intercity Uber is also available and reasonably priced.
  • If you're travelling from Colombo, regular train services run from Fort Station to Hikkaduwa, and the coastal route is striking — if slow and a little rickety!
  • High season on Sri Lanka’s south west coast is between November and March. Hotels will be quieter outside these months and offer off-peak rates. Do book your stay well in advance if travelling during the peak season as hotels fill up fast.

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The best hotels in Hikkaduwa

Villa Saffron

Hikkaduwa (Sri Lanka)

A striking seaside villa designed by one of the island's best-known architects. Boasting clean lines and lovely ocean views, the house brims with contemporary art and antiques from the owners' private collections. Some of the five spacious suites have hot tubs, plus there's a pool. Very smart.

  • Romantic Break - Spacious suites are ideal for romantics, with Saffron and Vanilla boasting their own balcony hot tubs
  • Groups - Book the whole villa for a lively holiday with friends and family — with a pool and private chef
  • Close to nightlife - Hikkaduwa has a lively evening scene, with great bars, live DJ nights and beach clubs
  • Surfing - Ride the waves at Hikkaduwa Beach, with board hire and excellent instructors
from $198 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on LateRooms
Riff Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa (Sri Lanka)

A hip design hotel with contemporary guest rooms and suites featuring pale wood furnishings, crisp white linens & uninterrupted sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Elegant, minimalist interiors are testament to architect Vinod Jayasinghe's vision, and the gourmet Japanese eatery is superb.

  • Foodies - Foodies will adore the gourmet Japanese cuisine at rooftop True Blue, which is known for its innovative fresh seafood dishes
  • Romantic Break - Design-minded romantics will adore the clean lines and elegant contemporary spaces — it's very indulgent
  • Restaurant - Savour Japanese cuisine on the rooftop at True Blue, and international dishes at the elegant Main Restaurant
  • Surfing - Hikkaduwa will delight keen surfers and beginners alike, with board hire and friendly instructors
from $412 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Haritha Villas & Spa

Hikkaduwa (Sri Lanka)

A beautiful collection of generous contemporary suites with grassy roofs, open-air bathrooms with huge tubs and private plunge pools hidden on a leafy hillside near Hikkaduwa. The Ayurvedic treatments, jungle spa and organic cuisine make this a restful, rejuvenating retreat. Unbridled luxury awaits.

  • Total relaxation - The resort's Ayurvedic treatments, organic cuisine and jungle spa promise a rejuvenating experience
  • Surfing - Hikkaduwa is known for its great surfing, and lessons can be arranged with the resort's instructor
  • Honeymoons - Private villas with plunge pools & freestanding tubs are ideal for beautiful honeymoons
  • Spa - The Jungle Spa offers rejuvenating treatments and there is an Ayurvedic doctor who will tailor wellness recommendations
from $590 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees